How To Become A Senior Logistics Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a senior logistics manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Simply put, a senior logistics manager makes sure that goods that pass through a warehouse or distribution center get from point A to point B. However, there are many steps involved in this process, and it is not as easy as it sounds.

A senior logistics manager may be responsible for developing systems that help stock move more smoothly through a warehouse, automate certain workflows, and monitor stock for quality and accuracy. However, their job also involves managing people (which can often be harder than taking care of stock). The senior logistics manager oversees warehouse workers and makes sure that everyone follows OSHA standards.

Most logistics managers have at least a bachelor's degree, but that does not mean that it is impossible to break into the field of logistics without a diploma. Someone can start out as a logistics supervisor and work their way up in the chain of command.

ScoreSenior Logistics ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.9

Avg. Salary $109,588

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 6.10%

Black or African American 11.10%

Hispanic or Latino 18.42%

Unknown 4.30%

White 59.67%

Gender

female 16.89%

male 83.11%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a senior logistics manager

Explore senior logistics manager education requirements

Most common senior logistics manager degrees

Bachelor's

64.2 %

Associate

20.1 %

Master's

11.4 %

Start to develop specific senior logistics manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Continuous Improvement	11.81%
Customer Service	11.74%
SR	5.69%
OSHA	5.63%
Logistics Operations	4.74%

Complete relevant senior logistics manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior logistics managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior logistics manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior logistics manager resumes.

Gain additional senior logistics manager certifications

Senior logistics manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific senior logistics manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for senior logistics managers include Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Six Sigma Green Belt.

More About Certifications

Research senior logistics manager duties and responsibilities

Manage timeliness and completeness of EDI's and run projects with vendors to ensure KPI's are met.
Review DISA and DOD policies; guidance; and instructions for ensuring LCL are being achieve within the program.
Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
Plan and conduct new training to certify employees on new organization combat infantry fighting vehicles.

Get senior logistics manager experience

Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior logistics manager. The most common roles before becoming a senior logistics manager include logistics manager, operations manager team lead and transportation manager.

Prepare your senior logistics manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior logistics manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior logistics manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable senior logistics manager resume templates

Build a professional senior logistics manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior logistics manager resume.